365 GT4 2+2 Horn Electrical Contact Repair for $0.16

Good day All,

I have been slowly working on my car and in particular my dash area. My interior was completely redone and so I am now reassembly everything, but before doing so I am cleaning and checking every electrical contact, etc. In doing this I found that the Horn connecting electrical contact was going to be a problem. On the 365 and other earlier Ferraris the horn wiring between the button and the dash wiring is done via an external electrical spring loaded brush that contacts a copper commutator on the steering shaft (the 400 series and newer are completely different). As I was cleaning and checking into this area I found that the wire connecting to the brush assembly simply pulled out... it had nothing holding it. I removed the assembly and discovered that Ferrari simply created a solder blob on the wire end to serve as wire stop. Over time the blob let go and so the wire was left to float, etc. To remedy I found a perfect fitting electrical eyelet that are typically used in printed circuit boards. These eyelets are solderable and it was easy to fit the wire and solder the assembly. I have attached some pics of the assembly, etc. The eyelets were ordered from Digikey (part 36-34-ND) and were $0.16 each. So, instead of trying to source a replacement (Ferrari part 101068) and pay anywhere from 120 GBP to 151 GBP I figured $0.16 and 2 minutes of my time would be prudent... and at the same time retain the original device.

As for the contact brush.... Mine looks to be about 1/2 worn, but I think I have found a replacement source. I ordered a couple and will post up when they arrive.

So... if anyone has the same issue, the above will save you some time and perhaps a few $ too.

Cheers,

Sam

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